How flexible are you

Our current global situation reflects that it is often hard to know how things will turn out. And no matter how much planning you have put in things do go off course and the longer you resist what is happening the harder things may be for you.

For many people leaving one career and heading for another is a time of anxiety and learning new paths. And if you have in mind what you will be doing and it is too firmly fixed you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

I am all for being single minded and determined but in truth we need to keep a part of ourselves flexible.

When we set up our first company I was so keen on the actual work I was doing; being nerdily focussed on the new world I had trained so hard to join that I really resented having to simultaneously learn how to actually run a business.

Had I taken a more flexible approach; not needed to prove myself solely in my career choice, I would have made more time for the business of running a business.

This is similar for many police officers leaving the job and hearing about a particular world that others are making headway in. They think that it will be a good fit and move towards it not really being sure it is the right thing but since they cannot think of anything else they may as well. And that’s okay because they might find themselves with the perfect fit.

But what if it does not fulfil you; what is you find the work tedious but now feel committed to follow through. Or perhaps you set up a business and realise that it‘s main purpose of selling widgets bores you to death.

And of course as an ex police officer you will be used to problem solving, sticking with a difficult situation and being self reliant but how will you know when you are staying too long at something? When all that energy and effort could be channeled into something that you will excel at?

Will you have the courage and determination to change courses again?

There is a school of thought if you follow what you love all will be well; and there is some truth in that but you also need to consider a great many factors. Many of which are relevant whether you are setting up a business or starting a new job;

Is there a market for your product?

Is there room for you in the market?

Will you be working alone – will that suit you?

If you are setting up a business with your partner how will you manage that?

If your product does not sell will you be willing to diversify?

Are you a hobbyist or business minded?

Will there be a profit? – And when would you except to break even and get into profit?